Masculinity, Motherhood, and Memory

Abstract:

My thesis focuses on cultural analysis and tracing themes through three novels and then contextualizing each with outside research on areas of interest. I examine Italian-Americans, Latino-Americans, and Chinese-Americans up close and decipher how their unique challenges with acculturation and language barriers affects their relationships to home and their families. I examine the unique interplay between gender, language, and culture in John Fante's novel Wait Until Spring, Bandini, Ana Castillo's novel So Far From God, and Amy Tan's novel The Joy Luck Club.

Description:

Thesis completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Alfred University Honors Program.